The Shine physical activity monitor by Misfit is displayed at a press event at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center for the 2014 International CES.

The Shine physical activity monitor by Misfit is displayed at a press event at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center for the 2014 International CES.

Photo: Ethan Miller / Getty Images

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Chris George wears the PrioVR full body harness with 17 body and head sensors each containing a magnetometer, gyroscope and accelerometer to translate body motion into action by gaming characters, by Yei Technologies at the "CES: Unveiled," media preview for International CES. less

Chris George wears the PrioVR full body harness with 17 body and head sensors each containing a magnetometer, gyroscope and accelerometer to translate body motion into action by gaming characters, by Yei ... more

Photo: ROBYN BECK / AFP/Getty Images

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A Wellograph watch and activity tracker is displayed at a press event at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center for the 2014 International CES.

A Wellograph watch and activity tracker is displayed at a press event at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center for the 2014 International CES.

Photo: Ethan Miller / Getty Images

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The MX3 Meizu smartphone from Chinese company Future Technology Enterprise Ltd is displayed at "CES: Unveiled," the media preview for International CES.

The MX3 Meizu smartphone from Chinese company Future Technology Enterprise Ltd is displayed at "CES: Unveiled," the media preview for International CES.

Photo: ROBYN BECK / AFP/Getty Images

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Liquid Image's EGO LS ,8-megapixel camera iWiFi enabled with Bluetooth for remote control use and audio capability and 4G LTE module, on display during the first press event 'CES Unveiled.'

Liquid Image's EGO LS ,8-megapixel camera iWiFi enabled with Bluetooth for remote control use and audio capability and 4G LTE module, on display during the first press event 'CES Unveiled.'

Photo: JOE KLAMAR / AFP/Getty Images

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The Discovery iQ 48 Dual-Fuel Range with a 7-inch Android 4.0 tablet built into the front panel from appliance maker Dacor is displayed at "CES: Unveiled," the media preview for International CES.

The Discovery iQ 48 Dual-Fuel Range with a 7-inch Android 4.0 tablet built into the front panel from appliance maker Dacor is displayed at "CES: Unveiled," the media preview for International CES.

Photo: ROBYN BECK / AFP/Getty Images

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The Discovery iQ 48 Dual-Fuel Range with a 7-inch Android 4.0 tablet built into the front panel from appliance maker Dacor is displayed at "CES: Unveiled," the media preview for International CES.

The Discovery iQ 48 Dual-Fuel Range with a 7-inch Android 4.0 tablet built into the front panel from appliance maker Dacor is displayed at "CES: Unveiled," the media preview for International CES.

Photo: ROBYN BECK / AFP/Getty Images

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Journalists watch presentation of LG G Flex phone during the first press event 'CES Unveiled' at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center prior to the 2014 International CES in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 05, 2014. CES. less

Journalists watch presentation of LG G Flex phone during the first press event 'CES Unveiled' at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center prior to the 2014 International CES in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 05, 2014. ... more

Photo: JOE KLAMAR / AFP/Getty Images

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The cooking temperature is set on an Android 4.0 tablet built into the front panel of the Discovery iQ 48 Dual-Fuel Range from appliance maker Dacor at "CES: Unveiled," the media preview for International CES. less

The cooking temperature is set on an Android 4.0 tablet built into the front panel of the Discovery iQ 48 Dual-Fuel Range from appliance maker Dacor at "CES: Unveiled," the media preview for International ... more

Photo: ROBYN BECK / AFP/Getty Images

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The Tinke connected health monitor by Zensorium is displayed beside an Android smartphone to which it can link via Bluetooth at "CES: Unveiled."

The Tinke connected health monitor by Zensorium is displayed beside an Android smartphone to which it can link via Bluetooth at "CES: Unveiled."

Photo: ROBYN BECK / AFP/Getty Images

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Pink plastic pigs created with the Sculpteo 3D printing cloud engine are displayed at "CES: Unveiled."

Pink plastic pigs created with the Sculpteo 3D printing cloud engine are displayed at "CES: Unveiled."

Photo: ROBYN BECK / AFP/Getty Images

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Bluetooth Fighting Mini Robots by European company BeeWi are displayed at "CES: Unveiled."

Bluetooth Fighting Mini Robots by European company BeeWi are displayed at "CES: Unveiled."

Photo: ROBYN BECK / AFP/Getty Images

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Robert Price of TREWGrip LLC demonstrates a TREWGrip handheld rear-type keyboard and air mouse for Apple and Android tablets at the "CES: Unveiled."

Robert Price of TREWGrip LLC demonstrates a TREWGrip handheld rear-type keyboard and air mouse for Apple and Android tablets at the "CES: Unveiled."

Photo: ROBYN BECK / AFP/Getty Images

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The Kolibree toothbrush, the world's first Internet-connected toothbrush, is displayed at the "CES: Unveiled."

The Kolibree toothbrush, the world's first Internet-connected toothbrush, is displayed at the "CES: Unveiled."

Photo: ROBYN BECK / AFP/Getty Images

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Robert Price of TREWGrip LLC demonstrates a TREWGrip handheld rear-type keyboard and air mouse for Apple and Android tablets at the "CES: Unveiled."

Robert Price of TREWGrip LLC demonstrates a TREWGrip handheld rear-type keyboard and air mouse for Apple and Android tablets at the "CES: Unveiled."

Photo: ROBYN BECK / AFP/Getty Images

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Members of the media work at the "CES: Unveiled," media preview for International CES."

Members of the media work at the "CES: Unveiled," media preview for International CES."

Photo: ROBYN BECK / AFP/Getty Images

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Gregoire Gerard demonstrates the new Holi lamp, an iPhone and iPad-controlled color-shifting lamp, with US distribution planned for March, at the "CES: Unveiled."

Gregoire Gerard demonstrates the new Holi lamp, an iPhone and iPad-controlled color-shifting lamp, with US distribution planned for March, at the "CES: Unveiled."

Journalists watch presentation of Lenovo's new Horizon 2 table PC, a 27-inch, 10-point touchscreen that can be paired to an Android phone.

Journalists watch presentation of Lenovo's new Horizon 2 table PC, a 27-inch, 10-point touchscreen that can be paired to an Android phone.

Photo: JOE KLAMAR / AFP/Getty Images

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The Sphero 2B robot from Orbotix is displayed at a CES press event at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

The Sphero 2B robot from Orbotix is displayed at a CES press event at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

Photo: Ethan Miller / Getty Images

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A Parrot MiniDrone is shown in flight during a CES press event at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

A Parrot MiniDrone is shown in flight during a CES press event at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

Photo: Ethan Miller / Getty Images

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The Kolibree toothbrush, the world's first Internet-connected toothbrush, is displayed "CES: Unveiled."

The Kolibree toothbrush, the world's first Internet-connected toothbrush, is displayed "CES: Unveiled."

Photo: ROBYN BECK / AFP/Getty Images

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The Aha car media streaming platform by Harman is displayed at a press event at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center for the 2014 International CES.

The Aha car media streaming platform by Harman is displayed at a press event at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center for the 2014 International CES.

Photo: Ethan Miller / Getty Images

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Mother data monitoring system from France is shown during the first press event 'CES Unveiled.'

Mother data monitoring system from France is shown during the first press event 'CES Unveiled.'

Photo: JOE KLAMAR / AFP/Getty Images

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A bartender serves drinks during the first press event 'CES Unveiled' at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center prior to the 2014 International CES in Las Vegas.

A bartender serves drinks during the first press event 'CES Unveiled' at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center prior to the 2014 International CES in Las Vegas.

Photo: JOE KLAMAR / AFP/Getty Images

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Glowing badge strings are offered during the first press event 'CES Unveiled' at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center prior to the 2014 International CES.

Glowing badge strings are offered during the first press event 'CES Unveiled' at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center prior to the 2014 International CES.

Photo: JOE KLAMAR / AFP/Getty Images

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Parot presents Jumping Sumo during the first press event 'CES Unveiled' at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center prior to the 2014 International CES.

Parot presents Jumping Sumo during the first press event 'CES Unveiled' at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center prior to the 2014 International CES.

Photo: JOE KLAMAR / AFP/Getty Images

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Mother data monitoring system from France is shown during the first press event 'CES Unveiled.'

Mother data monitoring system from France is shown during the first press event 'CES Unveiled.'

Photo: JOE KLAMAR / AFP/Getty Images

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The presentation of LG G Flex phone during the first press event 'CES Unveiled' at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center prior to the 2014 International CES.

The presentation of LG G Flex phone during the first press event 'CES Unveiled' at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center prior to the 2014 International CES.

Photo: JOE KLAMAR / AFP/Getty Images

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Novasentis presents their Electro-Mechanical Polymer EMP, actuator technology, during the first press event 'CES Unveiled' at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center prior to the 2014 International CES.

Novasentis presents their Electro-Mechanical Polymer EMP, actuator technology, during the first press event 'CES Unveiled' at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center prior to the 2014 International CES.

Photo: JOE KLAMAR / AFP/Getty Images

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Reebok's Checklight impact indicator displayed at the first press event 'CES Unveiled' at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center prior to the 2014 International CES.

Reebok's Checklight impact indicator displayed at the first press event 'CES Unveiled' at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center prior to the 2014 International CES.

Photo: JOE KLAMAR / AFP/Getty Images

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A DJI Innovations DJI Phantom 2 Vision aerial system drone is shown during "CES: Unveiled," the media preview for International CES.

A DJI Innovations DJI Phantom 2 Vision aerial system drone is shown during "CES: Unveiled," the media preview for International CES.

Photo: ROBYN BECK / AFP/Getty Images

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Liquid Image's EGO LS ,8-megapixel camera iWiFi enabled with Bluetooth for remote control use and audio capability and 4G LTE module, on display.

Liquid Image's EGO LS ,8-megapixel camera iWiFi enabled with Bluetooth for remote control use and audio capability and 4G LTE module, on display.

Photo: JOE KLAMAR / AFP/Getty Images

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CES 2014: Photos from the press preview

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RYAN NAKASHIMA, AP Business Writer

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Will 2014 be remembered as the year wearable computing took off?

Upstart entrepreneurs and major manufacturers such as Samsung, Qualcomm and Sony certainly hope so.

Gadgets that you snap, buckle or fasten to your body are already marketed to fitness freaks obsessed with tracking every possible metric their bodies produce. There are countless smartwatches for tech nerds who’d rather glance at their wrists to check messages than reach for their smartphones. And thousands of people are already seeing the world differently with the help of the Internet-connected eyewear, Google Glass.

Even with the possibilities these devices offer today, gadget lovers can expect technology companies to stretch the wearable concept further this week in Las Vegas at the International CES event, the industry’s annual trade show.

Several companies are expected to unveil wearable devices that are easier to use, extend battery life, and tap into the power of gestures, social networks and cloud computing.

The wearables wave is still in its early phases. Many of the technologies on display will offer a glimpse of the future —not necessarily products that are ready for the mainstream consumer.

These new gadgets are “like the first generation of the iPod,” says Gary Shapiro, chief executive of the Consumer Electronics Association, the group that has hosted the trade show since 1967. “It was bulky and it wasn’t that pretty. Look what happened. It got slimmer. It got better.”

Industry analysts’ estimates for the growth of wearables are rosy. Research firm IHS says the global wearables market — which also includes health products like hearing aids and heart-rate monitors — could top $30 billion in 2018, up from nearly $10 billion at the end of 2013.

While some of the growth will come from an aging population that requires more health-related monitoring at home, devices like the Fitbit Force activity band — which tracks a wearer’s steps, calories burned, sleeping patterns and progress toward fitness goals — are also expected to gain popularity as deskbound workers look for new ways to watch their waistlines.

At this week’s show, companies are likely to introduce improvements in wearable screens and battery life, says Shane Walker, an IHS analyst. The two are linked because the more a device tries to do, the more battery power it consumes. This creates demand for innovative low-power screens, but also for ways to interact with devices that don’t rely on the screen, such as using hand gestures and voice.

What’s driving the boom in wearable device innovation is the recent widespread availability of inexpensive sensors known as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). These are tiny components like accelerometers and gyroscopes that, for instance, make it possible for smartphones to respond to shaking and for tablets to double as steering wheels in video games.

There are also sensors that respond to pressure, temperature and even blood sugar. Toronto-based Bionym Inc. will show off its Nymi wristband at CES. The gadget verifies a user’s identity by determining his or her unique heartbeat. The technology could one day supplant the need for passwords, car keys and wallets.

Waterloo, Ont.-based Thalmic Labs Inc. plans to show off how its MYO armband can be used as a remote control device to operate a quadricopter drone. The band responds to electricity generated in forearm muscles as well as arm motions and finger gestures.

Co-founder Stephen Lake says the MYO is more akin to a mouse or keyboard that controls activities than the latest line of smart wristbands that simply track them.

“We’ve seen this shift away from traditional computers to mobile devices,” Lake says. “Our belief is that trend will continue and we’ll merge closer with technology and computers. New computer-human interfaces are what can drive these changes.”

Wearables may not gain broad acceptance until sensors advance to a point where they can track more sophisticated bodily functions than heart rate, says Henry Samueli, co-founder of Broadcom Corp., the company that makes wireless connectivity chips for everything from iPhones to refrigerators. Monitors that measure blood sugar, for instance, still require test strips and pin-pricks.

“If you can monitor your blood chemistry with a wearable, now there we’re talking about something pretty compelling,” Samueli says. “Then I think the market will take off in a big way.”

Companies are also expected to tweak the business models for wearable gadgetry as the devices become more mainstream. Fitness-focused wearables could one day help lower your health-care premiums if your insurer can verify your exercise regime. Always-on wristbands that know who you’re with —and their preferences— could become vehicles for location-based restaurant advertising.

“I think you’re going to see a lot of maturity in 2014 in the way companies think about their business,” says J.P. Gownder, an analyst with Forrester Research.

Right now, the market is a swirling cauldron of ideas and products. Eventually, a winner may emerge.

Josh Flood, an analyst with ABI Research, says “the killer app” for a wearable product with the right mix of form, function and price “hasn’t been identified yet.”

Forrester’s Gownder concurs. “It’s a bit of a hype bubble,” he says. “But so was the Internet in 1999.”